What's the process for a successful well intervention?

1 Define the objectives

The first step is to clearly define the objectives and scope of the well intervention. What are the problems or opportunities that you want to address? How will you measure the success of the intervention? What are the risks and uncertainties involved? You need to answer these questions and align them with the reservoir management strategy and the well history. Depending on the objectives, you may need to conduct some preliminary tests or surveys to gather more data and optimize the intervention design.

2 Choose the method

The next step is to choose the most suitable method for the well intervention. There are three main categories of well intervention methods: light, medium, and heavy. Light intervention methods use slickline or coiled tubing to run tools or chemicals into the wellbore. Medium intervention methods use electric line or wireline to perform logging, perforating, or setting plugs. Heavy intervention methods use a workover rig or a snubbing unit to replace or repair tubing, valves, or pumps. You need to consider the technical feasibility, operational efficiency, and economic viability of each method for your specific well and reservoir conditions.

3 Prepare the equipment and personnel

The third step is to prepare the equipment and personnel for the well intervention. You need to ensure that you have the right tools, materials, and services for the selected method. You also need to check the availability and compatibility of the surface and downhole equipment, as well as the wellhead and pressure control devices. Moreover, you need to train and brief the personnel involved in the well intervention, including the engineers, operators, supervisors, and contractors. You need to follow the safety and environmental standards and regulations for the well intervention operation.

4 Execute the operation

The fourth step is to execute the well intervention operation according to the plan and design. You need to monitor and control the parameters and conditions of the well and the equipment during the operation. You also need to record and document the data and events that occur during the operation. You need to communicate and coordinate with the relevant parties and stakeholders throughout the operation. You need to troubleshoot and resolve any issues or challenges that may arise during the operation.

5 Evaluate the results

The fifth step is to evaluate the results and outcomes of the well intervention. You need to compare the pre-intervention and post-intervention data and performance of the well and the reservoir. You also need to analyze the costs and benefits of the well intervention. You need to identify and quantify the impacts and improvements of the well intervention on the production, recovery, or integrity of the well and the reservoir. You need to report and share the findings and recommendations with the management and the partners.

6 Follow up and optimize

The sixth step is to follow up and optimize the well intervention. You need to monitor and maintain the well and the equipment after the intervention. You also need to update and calibrate the reservoir models and simulations based on the new data and information. Moreover, you need to review and evaluate the lessons learned and best practices from the well intervention. You need to apply the feedback and insights to improve the future well interventions and reservoir management.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?